Frank Alston
(falston@hotmail.com)
Tennessee State University

Project: " Analyzing a thin hafnium dioxide film for future applications in semiconductor fabrication, using Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy "

“After the RISE at Rutgers/UMDNJ and ISURF program, I know I will pursue the Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering.”

Imani Anwisye (Thompson)
(iranwisy@wustl.edu)
Washington University in St. Louis

Project: " Characterization of the MMP-13 high-affinity binding receptor protein and identification of its encoding gene "

Maurisa Blackman
(mab2@umbc.edu)
University of Maryland – Baltimore County

Project: " New neurons and their role in the formation of trace fear memories "

“My experience in the RISE program was more than I had anticipated but all that I needed. The program guided me though my preparation for graduate school. The one-on-one assistance I received with my personal statement was valuable. I also met a mentor that solidified my desire to pursue a Ph.D. I would recommend the program to everyone.”

Staci R. Brown
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
Current graduate student in Physics & Astronomy at Rutgers
and winner of GEM Fellowship

Project: " Construction of an ion detector for resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) spectroscopy "

"This program has exposed me to many aspects of my field of work that are new to me, which has given me a bit of an edge in future courses and projects in my lab at home. I definitely recommend this program to other students because I believe in its purpose and have seen all of the doors that it opens for you. Also, the directors of the program are very helpful and really care about your happiness and success."

Tyesha Burks
(MsTy1004@netscape.net)
University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Project: " Iron-lipocalin (24p3) and kidney stone disease "

“RISE offered me the opportunity to participate in biomedical and career research. I am forever in debt to the admission's committee for this experience. I had the chance to explore science hands on and I wouldn't trade that for anything. I made contacts with professors and future professionals. Thank you.”

Cyd Marie Castro Rojas
(cydmariecr@yahoo.com)
University of Puerto Rico -- Humacao Campus

Project: " Seasonal comparison of microbial communities in Cabo Rojo's mat layers by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphisms (t-RFLP) and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) "

Stephanie Chambers
(schamber@eden.rutgers.edu)
Rutgers University -- Rutgers College

Project: "Modulation of transcription factor NF kappa-B by flavonoids in human prostate cancer PC-3 cells"

“The RISE was an invaluable experience for me. It allowed me to continue to doing the research I started last semester and gave me the opportunity to meet wonderful people. I would recommend this program for anyone interested in doing research in the future.”

Luciann Cuenca
(lcuenca@eden.rutgers.edu)
The Catholic University of America

Project: " An approach for the synthesis of a potent telomerase inhibitor: telomestatin "

“Attending RISE was the best choice I've ever made in my life. It certainly helped me to develop professionally and personally. After RISE, I feel much more confident as to what I want to pursue as a science career. RISE filled all of my expectations. I strongly would recommend RISE to anyone interested in pursuing a research career.”

Julianna Harvey
(jnh2@lehigh.edu)
Lehigh University

Project: " Molecular approaches for hepatic differentiation of stem cells "

“RISE gave me direction for my future. The research I conducted influenced me to pursue a graduate degree.”

Susan Hope
(smh0628@mail.ecu.edu)
East Carolina University

Project: " An exploration of combinatorial problems with restrictions "

Shakese Hudley
(shakese.hudley@tuskegee.edu)
Tuskegee University

Project: " Identifying suppressors of msc1 "

Stanley O. King II
(focus0001@hotmail.com)
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University

Project: " Role of infant emotional response to goal blockage on toddler persistence "

"The RISE program helped me decide the direction of my future academic goals and gave me the tools needed to succeed in academia."

Melissa Maglaqui
(mmaglaqui@cse.edu)
College of St. Elizabeth
Current graduate student in the Rutgers/UMDNJ Molecular Biosciences Program

Project: " A new factor required for Wnt-mediated cellular motility "

"I joined the program unsure of the career path I wanted to follow. Experience in a real lab in addition to a series of speakers in different fields and levels of science helped me to solidify my future steps. I knew I'd be getting invaluable advice and guidance from my mentor but was surprised I left the program with so many new friends from all over the U.S. and Puerto Rico."

Fred Martin III
Rutgers University -- School of Engineering

(fmartin3@eden.rutgers.edu)

Project: " A Kinetic Study of the Differentiation Process of Embryonic Stem Cells to Hepatocytes "

“The RISE program was an experience beyond compare. It offers a chance to do intense and ground-breaking research at one of the nation's top universities while yet exposing you to graduate school preparation. It's definitely the program for those who want to do research or are still choosing between medical school and research.”

Virginia Mensah
(vmensah@eden.rutgers.edu)
Rutgers University -- Rutgers College

Project: " A mutant of Sindbis virus may encode an altered RNA-dependent RNA polymerase with an increased mutation rate "

Joanna Mercado Cruz
(sinapsis600@hotmail.com)
Pontifical Catholic University of America

Project: " RNA chaperone activities of phosphomimetics of the RNA-binding protein AUF1 "

Ivis Otero-Rios
(ivisotero@yahoo.com)
Universidad del Este

Project: " Tryptophan degradation by Burkholderia cepacia DBO1"

Arnaldo Pica
(mike_pica@hotmail.com)
Kean University

Project: " Studies on a natural occurring anti-tumor agent: The synthesis of (-)-ß-elemene and (-)-ß-elemene-like compounds "

Ayana Proby
(squeemoo_23@hotmail.com)
University of South Alabama

Project: " Development of methods for the purification of human rhinoviruses engineered to display epitopes of HIV immunogens"

Kimberly Pruitt
(kimberly.pruitt@western.edu)
Western State College of Colorado

Project: " High throughput screen for identifying androgen-like endocrine disrupting chemicals "

Ismael Torres
University of Puerto Rico

(Ismmaeltorres@yahoo.com )

Project: " Investigating metal resistance plasmids in bacteria from the deep subsurface using microarray analysis "

Yatzmellie Vega Bonet
(mami_allo@hotmail.com)
University of Puerto Rico -- Mayaguez Campus

Project: " Depth profiles of sulfate reducing bacteria along the oxic/anoxic interface of the Black Sea "